Cullerton's complicated exit: disgruntled aide muzzled after money went missing
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Before he suddenly announced his retirement last Thursday, Senate President John Cullerton accumulated vast power, wielded it to pass historic legislation, and was poised to play a prominent role in shaping the state’s political maps that would impact Illinois elections for the next decade.
Instead of riding the hot streak, Cullerton announced he would walk away while he and his party were on top, leaving his colleagues stunned, and opening the door for his critics and opponents to question his timing.
Our examination of financial documents, interviews with top lieutenants and staff, and an investigation of his private business dealings reveals that while he was racking up milestone legislative accomplishments to raise the legal smoking age, legalize recreational marijuana, expand gaming, and pass a $45 billion dollar capital infrastructure plan, behind the scenes, his caucus was devolving into a tailspin and his campaign operation was already in tatters.
Whichever of the 39 other Democratic senators should replace him in January will inherit a thorny tangle of ethical and legal headaches, as at least three sitting members of the caucus are either facing federal indictment, under investigation, or wiring up for the FBI.
Read more: https://www.wcia.com/news/capitol-news/cullertons-complicated-exit-disgruntled-aide-muzzled-after-money-went-missing/amp/